By: Chioma Madonna Nsukwu
Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources and Education, Professor Jubril Aminu, has passed away. He died on Thursday in Abuja at the age of 85, just hours before the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha.
According to family sources, preparations for the Muslim festival had already been underway at his residence, including the traditional purchase of sacrificial rams, when the unexpected occurred. A close relative described the moment as a solemn reminder of life’s unpredictability, emphasizing the late professor’s devout faith.
The news of his passing was confirmed by Aloyu Boya Wakili, a member of the House of Representatives representing Fufore/Song Federal Constituency. In a statement posted on Facebook, Wakili expressed deep sorrow, calling Aminu a “shining light” and a mentor who left a lasting legacy.
His funeral prayers were scheduled for Thursday at the National Mosque in Abuja, coinciding with the Day of Arafat in the Islamic calendar. He is to be buried in his hometown of Song, located in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Professor Jubril Aminu was born in August 1939 in Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria. He graduated with a degree in Medicine from the University of Ibadan in 1965 and later earned a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London.
Over the course of his career, he held several prominent positions. These include:
Senior lecturer, consultant, and sub-dean at the University of Ibadan (1973–1975)
Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (1975–1979)
Visiting Professor, Howard University, USA (1979–1980)
Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri (1980–1985)
Minister of Education and later Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992)
Nigerian Ambassador to the United States (1999–2003)
Senator representing Adamawa Central (2003–2011)
He was also inducted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science in 1972, and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and the West African College of Physicians in 1980. In 2004, he was conferred with the title of Distinguished Fellow by the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College.
On January 2, 2010, he was honored by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade, with the traditional chieftaincy title “Bobaselu of The Source.”
Prof. Aminu had previously been the subject of unconfirmed death rumors in December 2021, but he remained active in public life thereafter until his passing.
